Singer/songwriter for The Goa Express, James Douglas Clarke, has now begun a solo project under the moniker C Douglas. Originally from Todmorden, West Yorkshire, C Douglas now lives in Paris, France. Seconds away from the park and minutes from the canal, he remains as close to nature as possible. Although missing family, friends and the community back home, he remains well connected as an artist to the Valley through his collaboration with The Golden Lion and its record label, Golden Lion Sounds.
C Douglas makes fun music for fun people. Melodious, upbeat synth-pop with vulnerability at its core. His songs – which begin as acoustic, folk demos – take the shape of our times in the production process. Brought to life in a more contemporary setting, synthesisers, motorik beats and pulsing bass lines take centre stage. Big choruses are never far away and with a focus on energy and simplicity.
75019 is the debut EP from C Douglas and was recorded with Steve Cobby (Fila Brazillia) in Hull. The connection between artist and producer was immediate and developed seamlessly through mutual admiration. Generosity, open conversation and creative collaboration allowed the EP to take shape and the four tracks were finished in the home studio over the duration of two sunny weeks. The EP is now available to order on 10” vinyl via Golden Lion Sounds bandcamp. It will be added to a roster of artists including Jarvis Cocker, David Holmes, Jane Weaver and Working Men’s Club, and follows the critically acclaimed homage to Andrew Weatherall Sounds From The Flight Path Estate Volume 2.
‘At First’, the first single from 75019, was featured on BBC 6 Music/Introducing with support from Nathan Shephard and William Wolstenholme. It is bathed in warm synths and bass, and C Douglas lyrically weaves through the various stages of growing up, lightheartedly opening up on his past and on future possibilities. Accompanied by a music video, shot by Radio Sofa (Paris), ‘At First’ asks: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? If I’m alive, I’m doing alright.”
The second single is ‘I Like It Like That’ and is available to listen online, everywhere. It was recorded with Steve Cobby of Fila Brazillia and mastered by Dean Honer from The Moonlandingz. The music video was shot by friends at Radio Sofa in Paris. The song is about moving to a new city, making new friends and starting again. Something we all have to do sometimes.
Prior to his current project, C Douglas has worked with producers Mark Gardener (Ride), Damon Minchella (Ocean Colour Scene) and Nathan Saoudi (Fat White Family).
C Douglas Live Dates
October
8 – Au Chat Noir, Paris, 75011
26 – The Loom, Burnley
30 – The Golden Lion, Todmorden with Brainleak
November
1 – Fuel Cafe Bar, Withington, Manchester with Brainleak
7 – La Pointe Lafayette, Paris, 75019 with Primevere (BE)
For more information on C Douglas please check instagram.